Wednesday, October 19

The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics is my kind of palette. I've had a couple of eyeshadow palettes really wow me recently and this is for sure one of them.

Home to twelve brand new and exclusive Urban Decay matte shades, it's for me, the perfect go to palette at the minute as it holds both cool and warm tones- including my favourite kind of shade, Extra Bitter, a gorgeous burnt Red that I cannot get enough of.

If I'm honest, I've never been blown away by the original Naked Basics palette, it was nice and compact and I've reached for it on the odd occasion, but it's never been an absolute must have for me, this on the other hand is a delight.

I've personally always favoured warm tones over cool hues, so naturally I've reached for them more but the fact that this palette features both really impresses me as it gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone with a look if need be.

I also really enjoy the formulation of the matte shadows, often mattes can be really chalky without much colour payoff, but these work well. They're nicely pigmented, they blend well and they last all day which for me is perfect as I have zero time to reapply.

Overall, this palette gets a huge thumbs up for me (that burnt Orange really sold me) and although I do still have a huge soft spot for the original Naked palette, this is by far my favourite and the great news is that it's available to buy everywhere now, costing £38.50 (£3.20 per shadow).

I'd love to know your thoughts, what Naked palette is your favourite?

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Tuesday, May 24

I've always been a fan of YSL lipsticks and love adding them to my ever growing collection. All the way from the packaging through to the products formulation and ability wows me and so when I heard of these Oil-In-Stick Rouge Volupté Shine launching, I honestly couldn't wait to try them.

Before trying them, I was so excited to apply them for the beautiful application, shade range and the taste-ahem that the YSL lip products always have and I'm pleased to report back that they're just as good- if not better, than previous products.

The formula of the new lipstick is made up of six oils as well as Pomegranate extract, Macadamia butter and Hyaluronic Acid creating a pleasing, smooth and problem-free application. The swatches above are one sweep of product- they're amazing and the fact that they sit so beautifully on the lips, providing the freshest of tones, shine and comfort as well as moisturising qualities make them a winner for me.

The packaging of the Rouge Voluputé Shines has always been a favourite of mine and always make for a very pretty display. I've spoken about them many a time online and in real life, and thankfully, nothings changed with their exterior. They're the beautifully designed Gold tubes and now with the 12 new launches available to buy, theres a whole 30 shades to choose from!

Available to buy now, in stores and online, YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick lipsticks cost £26 each and if like me you're very much into lipsticks, then I truly believe they're worth every penny!

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Saturday, May 21

I've recently been sporting a bright Pink lipstick, which nowadays, I must admit is slightly out of character for me. Whilst it hasn't been my go-to shade since well, becoming a mum when I decided that lighter shades are much easier to upkeep throughout the day, Bobbi Browns Malibu Nudes collection wowed me and this duo of products have been reached for very frequently and have received a fair few compliments.

Bobbi Brown Art Sticks (£20.00) are chunky pencils, that can be used as both a liner and a lipstick alike. With what I would describe as a semi matte finish, they're comfortable on the lips and now come in a delightful range of eight bold shades thank you to the Malibu Nudes collection. Punch is a bright Orange Pink, perfect for warmer days and as stand out shade, I've recently loved wearing it as a focus point in my make up.

Malibu Nudes also saw the creation of four blush duos (£29.50) which include Pastel Pink, Tawny, Sand Pink and Plum/French Pink which is swatched above. Inspired by flushed cheeks after a day in the sun, the duo has been created to use both shades together, the darker shade on the apples of your cheeks and the lighter up your cheeks, for a subtle flush of colour.

I normally wouldn't wear Pink cheeks with a Pink lip, but in this case I really like the combination of both of these products.

This collection has been out a little while, but is still available to buy online and at counters in stores such as Selfridges and the like.

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Wednesday, May 11

Jo Malone fragrances are what I deem as special scents. Everything about them, from the store they're sold in to the scent itself is pure luxury and I personally cannot get enough.

Nashi Blossom is the latest Jo Malone fragrance that I have added to my collection and it's one of, if not my favourite that I've tried to date.

The packaging of this cologne is slightly different to the classic look of Jo Malone, and has a very cute and girly look of polka dots which personally, I really like. Stood amongst the other bottles, it stands out perfectly and adds a lovely touch to any dresser.

Citrus notes are my favourite, but sometimes it's hard to find a citrus fragrance that doesn't carry too many strong notes, which can often be overbearing and resemble a spritz of something you would clean your home with.

Nashi Blossom is a delicate, pretty and fresh scent and with lighter juicy notes of Lemon, fresh notes of Nashi Blossom and a base of White Musk, it's incredibly beautiful and delicately put together.

Lingering throughout the day, I'm hit with different notes throughout the day and I like that. It leaves me feeling refreshed, which is perfect for summer and if you're into zesty fragrances with a floral touch, then this is so for you.

Limited edition, Nashi Blossom is available in 30ml (£44.00) and 100ml (£89.00) and can be purchased online, in store and on Jo Malone counters.

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Tuesday, May 3

Every single year, the Clarins Summer collection pleases me to no end and I eagerly await the release of their yearly Limited Edition Bronzing and Blush Compact. It's one of my favourite bronzers which has never let me down.

This year, the collection has a very appropriate Summer name; Sunkissed and it's full of glowing and rich tones which compliment both long Summer days and evenings.

Complete with of course, the Bronzing & Blush Compact (£30.00) which once again has a beautiful embossed design on the product itself, four Limited Edition Waterproof Eyeshadow Shimmering Cream which I adore, a new Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in the shade Red Berry, another new launch in the form of Clarins Fix' Make-Up Mist and the Double Fix' Mascara which doubles up as a waterproof top coat for lashes and a brow tamer, this collection is just as impressive as previous years and has some products within it that I am so impressed with.

The launch of the new Waterproof Eyeshadow Shimmering Cream Colours in the shades 01 Golden Peach, 02 Golden Sand, 03 Silver Taupe and 04 Copper Brown (£18.00 each) are set to be winners this Summer and I personally cannot get enough of them. I've been using Golden Peach and Golden Sand on rotation for a while now, and used as both a base and as a singular shade, they work beautifully. Gliding onto the eyelids and blending in nicely, these sit on the lids and provide the beautiful shimmer that they promise, illuminating to perfection whilst holding to the lid for a fairly long time. I haven't found that they break up or crease, like some cream shadows do on me and having tested them out in high climates, I can assure you that they are waterproof and dazzle beautifully in the sun.

I'm a huge fan of skin mists and I must admit that I was shocked by Clarins decision to add a mist into their range. I'm not sure why, as they do everything so well, but I just didn't really see it coming. Thankfully, it hasn't disappointed and although it's not a product that I've found myself gravitating towards daily, it does do the job and a great one at that.

Including refreshing skin beneficial ingredients such at Aloe Vera to maintain hydration, Allantoin to soothe and an anti-pollution complex to protect the skin, this is beautifully cooling and a lovely product to have to hand throughout warmer days.

I'm so into brows and so it will come as no surprise that the fact that the Double Fix' Mascara (£20.00) teaming up as both a lash top coat and a brow tamer pleases me endlessly. Unlike most in my collection, this is completely clear. Including Bitter Orange Tree Wax, which helps the product to be waterproof, this product helps to create a waterproof coat to your lashes and brows both over product and on its own, which for the Summer or on your holidays, is amazing.

I've been a fan of the Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oils (£19.00) for a fairly long time now, more than year in fact, and so new shade releases always impress me. This collection sees the launch of Red Berry, which holds a very light Berry tint which is extremely wearable. Of course, the products still the same as the original, which is is the perfect in between of a gloss and a balm and leaves your lips feeling incredibly supple.

The Clarins Sunkissed Collection is available to buy now, what things will you be picking up?

Wednesday, February 10

When it comes to picking your child's pushchair or pram, finding something that suits both you and your baby is essential. For me, I have to make sure it ticks a whole array of boxes, fulfilling the needs of both the family and our lifestyle.

Comfort, ease of pushing, ability to fold easily in a rush, style and storage are just a few things that need to meet my criteria and the iCandy Raspberry is just perfect.

Now I must admit, I'd always wanted an iCandy pram, from way before I was even expecting. "Cool" mums that knew of pushed their babies around in their shiny aluminium wheels and I always found myself making a mental note in my broody thoughts that one day, when I was a mum, I'd have an iCandy. It sounds daft, I know- but prams are one of those things to me, and have been since I was a little girl.

The iCandy Raspberry is known as their Urban Stroller, which works perfectly for rushing around the streets, swerving between crowds, jumping onto buses, tubes and taxi's and even hopping up and down curbs.

I've been putting it to the test for a good year now and it's come on many an adventure with us and seen the sites of New York, the bumpy paths of Central Park and even made it's way to Cornwall, on a rainy country staycation where it worked a dream.

Perfectly designed, the Raspberry iCandy is both parent and world facing, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one through their younger days and allowing them to take in the world as they get older. Harrison loves taking in the views from his iCandy, although I do miss having him parent facing, where I would often catch GoPro footage of him on trips out (see here and here).

It's a really lightweight frame which holds an adjustable handle which makes it really easy and comfortable to push. I've pushed prams in the past that have left me feeling like I've had a huge work out, and for a parent that is most likely already knackered- who needs that? The iCandy strolls the streets with ease and folds nice and quickly, which for me is an absolute dealbreaker, especially for use on a city trip like New York, where we were jumping in and out of taxi's.

The base itself has a three-way recline which works in both positions, making it suitable from newborn all the way to toddler. We use it the majority of the time in the upright seating position, although if we're out about and Harrison has a nap, it's really easily moved into the lie back or flat position, which is super handy.

The storage basket beneath the pram is the best that I've personally used. It homes a "secret" storage pod which is perfect to hide away your rain cover or day to day essentials, or if you're anything like me- snacks and cameras!

Available in seven colours, or flavour packs as iCandy call them, it's really easy to change your prams look from time to time, whether to suit your mood or the time of the year.

I have Atlantic and Beetle which I switch between, although I do have my eyes firmly set on the Red for this Summer to brighten things up.

Overall, comfort is key when it comes to picking the perfect stroller for your little one, and honestly, it's clear that iCandy have put a lot of thought into it. From the incredibly soft and padded liners and straps to the front and rear suspension of the wheels, iCandy clearly know what they're doing and have found the perfect balance of safety, comfort and style.

I'd love to know what you think of the iCandy Raspberry and whether you have your eyes firmly set on one for your bundle of joy?

Make sure you check out my YouTube videos, where the iCandy Raspberry is heavily featured as well as my Instagram where I'm always posting #iCandyMoments

Tuesday, September 1

Clarins are a brand that always impress me, I love their collections as a whole and I think in terms of both skincare and make up, they get their products right every time.

Over the past year, their skincare has particularly impressed me and I can't get enough of a handful of their products, which I'll be sure to update you on shortly.

Now, finding the time to finally put on make up "properly" again, and braving more than a quick dash of lipstick, the new Clarins Joli Rouge came in just at the right time.

I've always been a lipstick kinda girl and Clarins Joli Rouge have always impressed me in terms of formula, colour and wear but taking a bit of a risk in my opinion- why mess with a product that's already excellent? Clarins worked on their already super moisturising lipsticks to make them even more moisturising and create a whole load of new shades, and thankfully, I can vouch- they're brilliant and it was well worth the risk.

With a whooping 25 new shades in the Joli Rouge family, there's a shade to express every mood, make up look and personality.

Ranging from Reds to Nudes, Oranges to Plums and Berries to Pinks, the shades are as followed:

Swatched above I'm wearing a trusty Pink- 735 Pink Praline and I just love it. Soft and easy to apply, it sits on the lips comfortably for a fair few hours and has the ability to be built up or worn as a light sheen of moisturising colour. With ingredients such as Mango Oil, these are certainly a must have for the colder months in particular and I'm so excited to have a real play around with more of the tones.

Priced at £19.50 each, which of the shades stand out to you?

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I'm really into eyeliner these days, so much so that it's become a part of my daily make up. Whether that has anything to do with the fact that my lining skills are a little better or not, I love it and can't steer too far away from a little line of the lid and feline flick.

With that in mind, I've taken it upon myself to try various liquid and gel liners on the market, and for a thicker more obvious line, this Schwing Black Liner from The Balm is really quite something.

With its felt tip tapered applicator, this is really nice to apply and creates a smooth matte bold line with the Blackest of Black pigment which I love. It's quite wet, which for me personally, leaves little room for mistakes but if you've been lining for a while then I would say this is one for you.

I like to be honest and fair with products, and one thing that I'm not very impressed with, is its lack of waterproof skills. It doesn't dry as well as others I have tried and a couple of evenings when I've become tired and dry eyed, this has smudged across my face leaving me with a over-winged out/smudged like crazy eye like you wouldn't believe. In saying that, does it put me off? Absolutely not. I love its pigmentation, application and bold matte finish, so I'll just learn to cope with its smudging and will hold back any tears or rubs of the eye!

Priced at around the £12.00 mark, you can get your hands on Schwing from ASOS and Feel Unique.

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